Senior Maryvale residents are headed for a fresh lease on life thanks to a new health, fitness and wellbeing program funded by Queensland Health.

Southern Downs Regional Council Community Development Officer, Pam Burley is excited to be able to offer the Steady Steps program to the seniors of our region.

“During a Warwick Futures Plan ‘seniors’ consultation, a community member requested that we offer the program, which was initiated by the Royal Brisbane Hospital to improve balance and reduce falls for seniors,” Mrs Burley said.

“From there I had discussions with Queensland Health who agreed to fund the project.

“It just has so many good ‘ticks of approval’ for our community. I’m really excited to be able to be a part of the creation and delivery of a program to enthusiastic members in the smaller villages of the region.”

Mrs Burley said that the door opener for this project was the initial grant money received from Nick Whittle at Queensland Health.

“As head of the Promoting Healthy Communities Program in this region, Nick was able to secure funding of just over $1000 for the purchase of two exercise bikes and a range of smaller fitness equipment,” Mrs Burley said.

“From that initial application, Queensland Health has been able to form a partnership with WIRAC to actually deliver the Steady Steps program to the Healthy Homemakers group in Maryvale.”

The Maryvale Healthy Homemakers currently have a membership of 10 but are keen to welcome other Maryvale residents.

The Maryvale project is being conducted as a trial and upon its completion may be offered to other smaller communities around the region if they show interest or an identified need. For more information on the new Maryvale Steady Steps program contact Don Warrener or Carla Clayton at WIRAC on (07) 4661 7955.

ENDS

Media Contact:
Tracy Vellacott
Communications Officer
(07) 4661 0305